Join Eric and me on Sunday July 10th for a traverse across the Squam Range from Sandwich Notch Road to Cotton Mountain.  Along the way we’ll be hitting the summits of Doublehead Mtn (2,158’), Mt. Squam (2,223’), Mt. Percival (2,212’), Mt. Morgan (2,220’), Mt. Webster (the little one – 2,076’), Mt. Livermore (1,490’) and Cotton Mtn (1,210’).  This is a moderate to strenuous hike of approximately 12 miles.  Moderate is for the low elevations, strenuous is for distance, descent and ascent between summits.  I have not personally hiked this traverse but don’t be fooled – you will be tested on endurance and strength – just the way a hike should be.  Being in nature is restorative for me, the more challenging, the better!  We’ll be meeting at the trailhead for Cotton Mountain off of 113.  From there we’ll count heads and assemble into one or two vehicles to make our way to the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail along Sandwich Notch Road.  Per the AMC guide, there is space for two cars at the trail head – hopefully we’ll have one – if not, we’ll have to regroup just a short jaunt away to other parking spaces and hike back to the trail head.  Sandwich Notch Road is not maintained in the winter and based on a recent hike, the road could be rough – sedan style cars are not recommended.  We’ll traverse to Cotton Mountain and make our way down the Cotton Mountain Trail to where we left our cars off of 113.  I’ll be driving a grey Honda CRV .

This hike will be a beautiful day meandering at a nice pace with periodic views of the Squam Lakes region.  This should be a nice opportunity to test out one’s “Traverse” desire.  As always, hiking gear is required, no cotton please!!  It is summer but you never know what the temps can do and the last thing you want to be dressed in is cotton if it rains and the temps fall to 60 degrees!!  Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water – on this hike – three liters should be sufficient.  If you want, bring a towel, swimming trunks and clothes to change into - I plan on finding a place to refresh after the hike.  Don’t know where yet – but you better believe I’ll be looking for fresh water!  For those interested – we can grab a bit to eat afterwards.  I’ve booked Soleil into the kennel (Thank you Soleil!!).  Those who’ve hiked with me before know I always have to dash back for the puppy but on this day I will not be on a timetable.  A forecast of steady rain will cancel but anything equal to or greater than cloudy-cool- dry – we hike on!

A good description of what to expect can be found here as we’ll be doing this hike:

http://www.hikenewengland.com/SquamRange081018.html

Cheers!!

From Route 93 (North or South), Take Exit 24 and follow Route 3 (Daniel-Webster Highway) east to the junction of routes 3 and 113 in Holderness, NH.  Turn onto 113 and the trailhead for Cotton Mountain Trail should be roughly 1.1 miles from the intersection (on the left).  As always – google map the directions ahead of time – it makes it easier to find and gives you a sense of direction.  I rely on 3rd party sources for directions, so please allow for extra time and the possibility for distance error.